How do I know if a preditor got some eggs or if they're hatching?

[Rdarnell]

Hello, new member with a question about Mallard Ducks. I have a duck nest in my back yard under the stairs off my slider door. This morning I see there are about 3-4 duck egg shells in the yard and on the step. Momma was not at the nest 2 hours ago when I checked but the nest was still covered with her feathers. How do I know if some baby ducks have hatched or if the worst case scenario has happened?

 

[Wezdin]

Are the ducks wild? also, do the eggs look like they were split in half or crushed?

 

[Rdarnell]

Yes wild ducks. I wouldn't say they looked crushed still partially in tact. When checked the nest this morning there were still eggs in it but no mom and no new babies.